Finnerty'sIf you haven't tapped a keg since college, this sports bar can help you reclaim your glory days. Book ahead for games, when there's hot competition for keg service—not surprising, considering each party gets its own L-shaped corner table facing a flat-screen. Choose from a fine array of kegs spanning 225 brews, including the heady Belgian ale Delirium Tremens (20 liters $400, 30 liters $450). If your crew rolls deep but lacks foresight, there's a more-limited range for walk-ins, such as Blue Point Toasted Lager (20 liters $250, 60 liters $500). Heads up: The pub requires a minimum number of people per keg (6 to 8 people for a 20-liter keg, 20 to 30 people for a 60-liter keg) so that no one gets too blotto (ahem). 221 Second Ave between 13th and 14th Sts (212-677-2655, finnertysnyc.com)

Floyd, NYThe early drinker catches the comfortable sofas and the bocce-ball court here—the place is known to fill up by 10am during soccer season. Get your hair of the dog in the form of a "crap-a-copia," a $15 beer bucket stuffed with six domestic cans. Our bartender assembled a grab bag of alcoholic Americana including Genesee Cream Ale, Schlitz, Stroh's and Old Milwaukee, plus a couple of the usual suspects (PBR, Miller High Life). Sitting in one of the inviting nooks, you'll be tempted to keep the crap coming—for better or worse, the same dirt-cheap deal runs all day and night. 131 Atlantic Ave between Clinton and Henry Sts, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-858-5810, floydny.com)

Jackie's Fifth AmendmentPark Slope overrunneth with craft beer, but this dark, narrow dive balances the landscape with blue-collar booze. Follow the lead of locals who cluster around $10 beer buckets, each filled with six ponies (seven-ounce bottles) of Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light or Miller High Life. Don't underestimate these Lilliputian brews—they're the alcoholic equivalent of Pringles. Once you've survived that adventure, hobble over to the iTunes jukebox to select your victory anthem. 404 Fifth Ave at 7th St, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-788-9123)

Mudville 9 For your next beer-and-wings binge, look no further than this well-appointed Tribeca sports bar. Two hours of unlimited wings, fries and pitchers go for just $25.95, or $30.95 if you want to upgrade from swill to craft offerings such as Tregs HopBack IPA. If you prefer a more measured approach, you can also order a 100-ounce beer tower ($24--$33)—gleaming cylinders equipped with a self-service tap at the bottom. Word to the wise: The towers are available only at tables, so make reservations for Friday and Saturday nights. 126 Chambers St between Church St and West Broadway (212-964-9464, mudville9.com)